Peugeot 208 – efficiency with fun

ROAD TEST

Back in the early 1980s, Peugeot transformed the supermini scene with a compact hatchback for the mass market – the 205, which proved a game-changer for the brand in lifting accolades like Car of the Decade.

The 208 is the latest evolution of that model, and is smaller on the outside but bigger on the inner than its predecessors. Pretty much a winning combo.

It comes in both three and five-door body styles plus a choice of frugal petrol and diesel engines and five trim grades.

Three years on from the new generation 208’s launch Peugeot has given the car an upgrade.

With fierce opposition from newer rivals in what is the automotive scene’s most competitive arena, the revamp didn’t come a moment too soon.

The shape hasn’t changed but what were efficient engines anyway have become even more frugal, while there are some styling tweaks, new colour choices and a fresh range of personalisation options.

And new equipment has made driving in urban areas – the principal habitat for 208 drivers – easier thanks to safety and lifestyle systems like Active City Brake, Park Assist and a reversing camera.

The tested 1.2-litre model in mid-range Allure trim featured the Peugeot group’s PureTech petrol engine, a result of the company’s quest for greater efficiency.

The objective is to gain serious benefits in fuel economy without harming the car’s feeling of being fun to drive.

In this model’s case the max power may only be 82bhp but the 208 still feels lively and spirited to drive while sounding off a sporty engine note too – with the benefit of an official 62.8 miles per gallon.

Inside what is a smart cabin with body-hugging black leather seats and an ultra modern-looking dash, the majority of 208 variants get a seven-inch colour touch screen allowing easy access to the likes of radio, Bluetooth, music files and mobile apps.

Space is adequate in a cabin that is thoughtfully laid out with dials positioned high on the dashboard as part of the i-Cockpit concept, which also means you get a small steering wheel.

Four adults can certainly travel in comfort provided there aren’t six-footers sitting behind each other, in which case knee room is tight, and the 285-litre boot is reasonable for a car this size.

The glovebox is small though and the spare wheel means there’s no space beneath the boot floor.

While the new colour palette features a striking new metallic Orange Power, our Ice grey test model came with textured paint.

It has a grainy feel and while quite effective, to me it resembles a car that’s been primed for a re-spray – and not something I’d pay an extra £645 for.

All in all though, Peugeot has done an effective job in keeping the 208 up to date and competitive.

And with reliability better than ever it deserves to attract plenty more buyers.